One of the
targets of copper toxicity is the viral genome
Scientists
from the University of Southampton have discovered that copper and copper
alloys rapidly destroy Norovirus -- the highly-infectious sickness bug.
Worldwide, Norovirus is responsible for more than 267 million cases of acute
gastroenteritis every year. In the UK, Norovirus costs the National Health
Service at least £100 million per year, in times of high incidence, and up to
3,000 people admitted to hospital per year in England.
The virus,
for which there is no specific treatment or vaccine, can be contracted from
contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact, and contact with
contaminated surfaces, meaning surfaces made from copper could effectively shut
down one avenue of infection.
The study,
which was designed to simulate fingertip-touch contamination of surfaces,
showed Norovirus was rapidly destroyed on copper and its alloys, with those
containing more than 60 per cent copper proving particularly effective. Copper
alloys have previously been shown to be effective antimicrobial surfaces
against a range of bacteria and fungi.
The
Southampton research reported rapid inactivation of murine Norovirus on alloys,
containing over 60 per cent copper, at room temperature but no reduction of
infectivity on stainless steel dry surfaces in simulated wet fomite and dry
touch contamination. The rate of inactivation was initially very rapid and
proportional to the copper content of alloy tested. Viral inactivation was not
as rapid on brass as previously observed for bacteria but copper-nickel alloy
was very effective.
One of the
targets of copper toxicity was the viral genome and a reduced number of the
gene for a viral encoded protein, VPg (viral-protein-genome-linked), which is
essential for infectivity, was observed following contact with copper and brass
dry surfaces.
The use of
antimicrobial surfaces containing copper in clinical and community
environments, such as cruise ships and care facilities, could help to reduce
the spread of this highly infectious and costly pathogen. Copper alloys,
although they provide a constant killing surface, should always be used in
conjunction with regular and efficient cleaning and decontamination regimes
using non-chelating reagents that could inhibit the copper ion activity.
The virus
can remain infectious on solid surfaces and is also resistant to many cleaning
solutions. That means it can spread to people who touch these surfaces, causing
further infections and maintaining the cycle of infection. Copper surfaces,
like door handles and taps, can disrupt the cycle and lower the risk of
outbreaks.
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